I Cruised On Virgin Voyages To See Who It’s REALLY For
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 มิ.ย. 2024
- Most cruise passengers think Virgin Voyages has been created for young people and young cruisers. But is that really who Virgin Voyages it trying to attract to cruise on their 18+ adults-only cruise line? I cruised on Virgin Voyages to find out of "older" cruise passengers would be welcome, enjoy the line and fit in. This is what I discovered....
I cruised as a guest of Virgin Voyages, who covered the cost of my fare but not my additional on board expenses or travel to and from the ship.
What my other Virgin Voyages video: • Virgin Voyages Was VER...
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He could sell ice to eskimos. I'm not interested in cruising. But i watch all his videos. He is so charming and articulate. A lovely person. Always feel happy after watching one of his videos.
Thanks! I’ve always thought I’d make a lousy salesman as not good at fudging the negatives to cling a deal! Really appreciate you watching even though cruising not your thing (yet…)
I completely agree! Never cruised, hated the idea tbh before finding Gary’s channel. But he enjoys it so much it’s infectious.
so sweeet👏. Best/nicest compliment you can get, Gary! Feel blessed🙏
There are no Eskimos
@@cherylsemrau4375 They are technically referred to as Inuits, Yupik or Inupiaq, this depends on different geographical Arctic locations and spoken language. While the term “Eskimo” is offense to the Native Arctic People (at least in the US), the Native People of the Arctic very much exist. Their skills and knowledge are on an entirely different level. Their customs and languages are being preserved (as much as humanly possible) by talented Native linguists, crafts people of so many varying abilities and skills, artists, authors, and more.
Sorry about the lecture! Hope your weekend is wonderful.
Gary, I Uber picked a couple from the port after their VV cruise, and the main points they made in order of importance were 1) No pressure to upsell/Nickle and dime experiences and 2) food quality. It really sunk in the simplicity and no-stress experience they had. Your articulation of these points solidifies my decision to book VV when viruses settle down.
I just learned of this cruise line the other week. Its a child-free cruise line. We don't jam with the littles so this appeals to us especially since so many of the other cruise lines are very family focused and this one is more couple focused.
I don't go on vacation/holiday to spend time with kids. I'll never be caught on a Disney cruise. I also try to cruise when school is in session to minimize their presence.
@@scottlowell493 Same here - lazy, entitled parents allowing their kids to run around screaming (and worse) and ruin everyone else’s peace and quiet is sadly the norm these days so I will always book adults only holidays over ones that allow children.
I went with a mate (not a couple), precisely because there were no kids. I'm not at ease around kids, and they sense it, so this was just heavenly.
I'm pleased you told us up front it was a freebie cruise, that makes a huge difference to how much credence I put in to what the reviewer says.
Why ? He wasn’t particularly flattering. It didn’t make me want to cruise Virgin
P
@@riohenry6382 majority of TH-camrs will only give positive feedback when a provided something free. That's because negative reviews will then most likely prevent them from getting any future freebies from that company from the badpress.
@@riohenry6382 the spirit of total biscuit would approve of this message
I thought that he was very fair in his assessment. Not particularly good or bad. I like the idea of the different dining room options included in the price. If they cruised in my part of the world I would consider virgin. Being adults only appeals.
I love sitting on a barstool, eating, drinking, enjoying nice weather, views, and music. When you think about it, it's not really so much and can be enjoyed on most ships and indeed most places around the world.
Honestly I could see this appealing to me at 25. I don’t want to cruise with kids, and love Celebrity, but this may be even more up my alley
Thank you for your review. We will definitely have to put this on the list of cruises to try. I love eating great food, but I always wondered if there was enough fun things to do for someone in their 30’s (hubby).
Thank You Gary. My wife and I were curious about what it would be like for us. You have definitely helped us feel more at ease about this cruise line.
Gary, wonderful as always! We were very curious about this line and really needed to hear this.
This review is MUCH appreciated! Thanks for your candor and care in making this video!
Great to hear you found it enjoyable and interesting. Really appreciate you watching
I can't wait to try it out - the food looks amazing! Our priorities are the food and cocktails (we cruise NCL and use the speciality dining heavily). I really enjoy the fitness facilities, not so much my husband - I'll send him to the bar!
I have never been on a cruise, and just heard about the Virgin cruises recently and was curious about them. I think this sounds just about right for me. Good video.
Im 41, have never cruised but man i love you and Emmas content. Cozy vids! Its like my ASMR
I went as a solo traveler at 48 and had a great time. My main disappointment was that they didn’t make any effort to help the solo travelers mingle, and it started feeling lonely dinning at the restaurants by oneself every night. (In contrast to NCL which will organize optional group dinners for the singles.) Maybe this is something they can change a bit with some feedback. I’m planning to go again in March and will try to be more socially aggressive this time. The food, fitness and entertainment were great.
Edit: They now have meet-up events for solo travelers.
Yes good point. You’d think Virgin would be good at getting everyone involved…
@@simonstones1918 Virgins aren't the best at mingling.
They have a gathering night one for the solo travelers. They also have tons of activities throughout the day where you can meet people. Like their bar crawl. You can meet and mingle at their Scarlet night and Pajama parties too. Have you tried their Korean BBQ restaurant Gunbae? You cant sit alone there They sit you with a group of people and you eat and play drinking games. There’s opportunities on the ship you just gotta utilize them lol I like that they arent overbearing about it and force you into situations like other cruise lines. I can mingle when I want and disengage when I want.
Yes, when I went on my third cruise in Oct 2022, they had added a first night dinner for solo travelers, and that greatly improved my experience for the whole week.
Regent has meetups for singles starting at the beginning of the cruise.
I’m 53 going on 35 so I know this will be fantastic for a young at heart guy like me, and I love all the included dining options I think that’s truly amazing and unique! Hoping to sail with Virgin for my Birthday this coming year in 2022! 💙 Great video once again Gary Thank You 🙏
I like your reply and you saying you are young at heart. I am older than you are and said exactly same thing to my granddaughter and her reply was that is your opinion granddad, but you are in fact your age thats just your imagination. Knocked the wind out of my sails brought me back to reality.
@@dlgregory35 I think your granddaughter needs to have a bit more respect for you if you didn’t mind my saying. That’s rather rude!!! Age is a # not a complete identity!!!!
@@JohnnyFuturePast I agree . I don't look my age
She will change her tune when she realizes that we get older and it's not by choice and who we are inside is still the same despite our body betraying us as it does.
@@VictoriaGates Mine is being quite nice to me these days…for now! Lol
That’s very interesting and informative. My 88 year mother would hate the format but I like the idea of the fitness emphasis and all specialty dining. I’m not a party person either. Maybe I will give the line a try
Gary, well done. I really appreciate your honest on Virgin providing you with the cruise. I find your videos credible and helpful.
Thanks for watching. I always declare if have, which is not many. But nowadays I think I am going to have to say in all the other videos that I have booked and paid going rate as there is growing scepticism and questions around bloggers, Vlogger and journalists not being transparent that I feel need to declare that too !
@@tipsfortravellers Sorry for not responding sooner. The reality is, either we viewer buy into your comments, or we don't. You have a huge following so it is clear, folks buy into you. Don't change a thing.
@@tipsfortravellers honesty is always the best policy. Look at our politicians!
@@simonstones1918 did you have to mention politicians! I was happy until then. Lol Have a good day from Sydney Australia 🇦🇺
Fitness rooms are the last place I'd be caught dead at on a cruise, second maybe to the clubs or bars. The dining and relaxation parts are what I enjoyed the most on the cruises I've been on. Being able to relax on the deck with my Kindle in hand.
Went on the Scarlet Lady in April 2022 for 5 nights out of Miami. You can do everything or nothing, party or sleep. Generally 30s to well into their 70s which is perfect for an adults only cruise. Totally non judgmental atmosphere as everyone was there for a good time. Great food, drinks and very sexy vibes. Evening wear definitely adults oriented. Many thongs (women and men) at pools and spas. Topless area upper deck in the back of the ship. Pool areas well populated by day but not overly crowded but that can vary depending on the time of year out of Miami. Great entertainment and cannot wait to go again.
Thanks Gary. The food and entertainment has me hooked.
Your videos are informative and entertaining! I have been following your videos for a long time! Your videos have given me a glimpse of all the cruise lines and I am very happy that I am a ardent Holland America cruiser!
Enjoyed this video. Was considering it. Thanks for sharing.😎
Thank you for your advice. I hope I will enjoy now that I am 57 years. And it sounds like I will be at the health club area doing the cardio and the walking on the run/walking trail.
Great! Thank you Gary! I have never been on a cruise… but would like to and I love watching these.
Thanks so much for watching and the comment 😀
This is really informative! We just went on our first cruise ever (Majestic Princess, to Alaska), so we're still learning about the whole cruise culture and cruise industry. We've been curious about Virgin and wondered some of the same things you pointed out in this video, so thanks for shedding some light!
Thanks for watching and great to hear. Hope Majestic Princess was fantastic. I’m on in June Anchorage to Vancouver
@@tipsfortravellers It was great, especially the entire crew. Some aspects of the food offerings were slightly less than our expectations, while some were higher. Overall, we had a wonderful first-time experience and quite like Princess as a whole!
I liked what you showed us Gary, and it’s definitely appealing for a 56-year old couple. Love the dining options and fitness emphasis that you allowed us to see. Thanks for all of your videos.
Thanks for sharing your experience
I enjoy watching your videos! Thank you!
Wow, those points really speak to me!
Thank you, Gary, for a very informative insight to cruise holidaying on this ship. Since it's launch, I have been curious about it. I was expecting Virgin to try something different to the others. You have satisfied my curiosity. The varied specialty restaurants sound interesting. That would be worth a try!
Thanks for the useful review!
I was invited on the first flight (Maiden Voyage) of Virgin Atlantic in the 80s. It would be great to try this latest, creative iteration of Virgin. Thank you for the detailed review.
Great video Gary! I’m 62. Always wondered about Virgin.
you summed up our experience, we headed to bed at the time of when the "party started" (and we're mid 40s). I did miss daytime activities as we're not into fitness. I'd have liked a film or something to attend like a talk (but not selling me items in the shops)
Really like your approach. Good information.
Interesting review. The first time I flew Virgin Airlines I thought: this is a bit different, but I really like it! Sounds like their cruise line conveys a similar impression. 😎👍
Draco. Really appreciate you view on Virgin, I've never cruised with them, I've been on all the others and it seems like they cater to a much younger crusher. Thank you.
Virgin Voyages seems to be best for me. And I'm 68 years old! I've been on two cruise liner voyages in my life. Both trans Pacific, East Asia to California. 1960 and 1971.
Thank you! Very informative!
Another great review. Great content and editing.
Thanks so much! Great to hear 😀😀
I agree, you are only as old as you feel. And we must remember that people who went to Woodstock are in there 70's now.
Great point! I do surprise myself every now and then when I see my name of something alongside my age. That can’t be right ….
@@tipsfortravellers indeed, as sometimes I reverse my age and think that I am 25...lol
10:13 As someone who likes to play board games with the family on cruises, that's the best stocked board game library I've ever seen on a cruise. Whoever bought it knew what they were doing.
Great point!! It really is !
I spotted that too - at 10.3
We are all board gamers in the house and seeing things like Ticket to Ride, Dixit, Splendor and Codenames means someone knows what they are doing - not just Monopoly and Scrabble for a change :)
Your recap is excellent and may convince me to give them a try. I love the fitness aspect and the food does look quite good and a lot of variety, Thanks much.
Thanks for watching! You back from Apex? How was it ??
@@tipsfortravellers yes,we got back Saturday at 1 am. It was a great cruise and the ship is absolutely amazing. Only 501 passengers with a capacity of 2900. It was like our own private yacht.
I've watched many of your videos and never thought Virgin would be for me, or doing a solo cruise. Saw the video, saw a Virgin sale, and off I went solo. It was FANTASTIC! I think the food alone is worth giving it a try. I'm taking my husband next year so he can see what I was going on about! Thanks for taking a look and showing that preconceived notices of what the line might be about doesn't necessarily mean it's not for you!
Great to hear this. Agree. The food is a big strong point
This video was EXTREMELY helpful! This sounds like we would very much enjoy Virgin.
Such a great video! Thanks for sharing
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks Gary , very helpful to know what to expect if I ever use the Virgin line. Not sure it's for me but you never know, one day!
I've never been on a cruise since I've never been interested. I live in Miami, the cruise capital of the world lol... Now, this one in particular really got my attention and after this review I will consider it. Thanks a lot.
Very good video. I've never had an interest in cruising, but this one seems like it might be a good one for the people who are into it.
We enjoy watching your videos. We love your voice and delivery of information. I've never been on a cruise. I don't know if I'll ever go on a cruise. I've only been on cruises for a few hours.
Great review, thanks!
Thanks for watching! Great to hear you enjoyed
Very interesting information!
Great pre-view. The eating options sound appealing, the emphasis on fitness isn't as interesting. I could see myself on-board. Thanks to you and Virgin Voyages for the insights.
Thanks for watching and great to hear you found it interesting. Keep me posted if you do give them a try !
Great review . I have been skeptical as I am a traditional cruiser and have been on a large number of cruises
Thanks for the review. It's a very good one. I like the cuisine and fitness components but I'm still likely not going to sail VV.
Gary, I loved all the different and smaller dining options. I'm not a gym enthusiast, but can see how that is a must on a cruise like that🤪😂 Nobody wants to ROLL down the gangway after a cruise like that😆😆I enjoy your videos👍👍 (never been on a cruise YET)😉
I just LOVE your videos.
Thanks for watching! Great to hear 😀😀
So glad you reviewed Gary, definitely not for me had hoped it was just the ships awful decor and colour, but no it’s trying too hard - looks grim, but everyone to their own and I hope those who choose this line have a wonderful time. 🥰
I think the emphasis on fitness is pretty smart. Even though I’m older, out of shape with a bad knee, I would be quite comfortable partaking in these fitness classes and a great way to feel more energized on a cruise.
I enjoy the interesting information about this cruise line
Thanks for the two Virgin video's, very informative and has given me some hope. I live in Cyprus and would normally through preference, cruise on the Salamis Filoxenia, an old and dated cruise ship, with roughly 800 passengers / 500 crew. This was a very relaxed and personal cruise with outstanding food in my opinion and other than drinks, everything included. Sadly, due to covid, Salamis decided to sell it, as it had sat in port for two years and was quite a niche experience. I have hated even the thought of being on large crew ship, too regimented and a lack of personal interaction from the crew. In your opinion, would Virgin maybe fit with my preferred style of cruising, low key, relaxed, not regimented? Our ages are 54 /48.
Excellent cruise... young forever!
Glad Virgin is so diverse. I would love to try a cruise on Virgin.
Excellent review! You've peaked my interest in VV! 🤔 Thank you!
Thanks for watching! Great to hear you found it interesting!
Your channel is awesome.
Excellent video, Gary. I really enjoyed your thorough analysis of the Virgin Cruise experience. Thanks!
Thanks for the info, great details. I also thought differently. Now I will consider cruising with Virgin. Thanks and take care.
Great to hear you found this interesting. Really appreciate you watching
Looks fabulous xx
Very nice information.
I've never been on a cruise. But, if I ever get brave enough to try, I will definitely go on this one. Love the idea of no kids ❤❤
@foxo please do. Have a safe trip!
I just got back from their Valiant Lady cruise. To me it was amazing. Best few weeks of my life.
I hate the idea myself. I’m 17 now, but after I turn 18 I’ll never go on a cruise with these restrictions.
I wonder, are there other premium cruises which are adults only and a bit more classic in style?
@@islaw1898 Viking ocean
From the view throughout the ship, it appears that less emphasis has been made to have art installations. Hooray!
Hi Gary, thanks for the info . Love your shirt :)
Thanks !!
I've never been on a cruise, so I've been looking at your videos. I'm single, no kids, no partner, and 60 years old. This was helpful. Thank you.
Another great update Gary. I always assumed that the crowd on cruises would be older because of the expense. When I was in my 20’s and even 30’s I couldn’t afford cruising.
Thanks for watching as always. I really appreciate it. That was always my theory too 😀😀
Agreed but the young people have credit cards today!
My friends and i are going. We have a group of 8. We are in our late 20s and early 30s. Lol afford cruising ? The price is pretty cheap, but they are right. It's the last horay before having kids .
I’m 32 and can’t afford to cruise, I also would rather spend my money on a camping trip than a cruise. If someone offered me a free cruise Virgin would be my first pick though!
There's some things I really like about this ship but also some things I'm not sure about... the pool, the small bathrooms...
That board game cabinet looked really well stocked! Did you get a chance to play any games? As a solo traveler, it seems like they would be great icebreakers.
Great video! We're looking forward to trying it out in May since we're two very different generations! Ha 😊
Thank You for Sharing. I'm 67 so I do Wonder about the Experience I might have.
Very interesting and encouraging, thanks. I've been watching the Channel 5 series The Cruise featuring Scarlet Lady and Virgin seem very clear that they ARE a party boat (one of them said it in so many words on episode 5). That was a Caribbean cruise - maybe the destination makes a difference?
Thank you for the review. I’m looking at booking a cruise as a solo traveler
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for this vid, Gary. Early November, I booked a suite with a balcony and hammock. 8 days, 4 ports in the eastern Caribbean. Airfare and all...$4K out the door. Like yourself, I'm NOT a party animal; this is gonna be more of a "fact-finding mission"...I'm a veteran Vegas entertainer whose career didn't quite get to the level it SHOULD have. No desire to work on a boat; I have my sights set more on the 4 different ports...the resorts--especially Virgin's private island.
Oh I see, it's the opposite of HAL.
Very interesting, thanks. We will try virgin cruises.
Sounds appealing to me.
You’re could’ve had taught them younger something. I never been on this ship yet but I love the Mod look of the ship, bring back so great memories of the 60s era. At least that what this ship reminds me of. Great video.
How does this ship bring back memories of the 60's era? Which ship from the 60's looked anything like this thing? Ships in the 60's looked like ship simple fact.
I’m 60 and cruise Scarlet Lady on October 10th. Thank you for answering the big question about age !
Fabulous as you will be in of the first to be sailing where she was intended to be!! Please let me know how you get on and think 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Great tips Gary. Will be sailing in the next few weeks.
Thanks for watching! Have a great trip. Look forward to what you think
@@tipsfortravellers you bet. Sure will
Thanks.
Thanks for the update Don - looking forward to seeing more of the ports in Alaska.
For this testing that is required - is that only when flying home to Canada (or any other countries outside the US)?
Your comment is on the wrong youtube channel.
Food is my number 1. The rest isn't that important. Looking forward with my first Virgin Cruise. If I want exercise, I'll skip the elevators.
My aunt walks the outer decks , like on older ships the outside decks that go around the ship as her exercise
It all looks rather nice but….. can you sit anywhere in the sun with a drink and not be “sung at” ? There are some of us on this planet who actually don’t need to be entertained 24/7 😎
I'll be taking my first VIrgin Voyages cruise in September. I never thought I would try it, but they gave a super deal.
I look forward to hearing how it goes. The food is very good!
Thanks for this :)
Took my first-ever (and so far, only) cruise, on Resilient Lady in March 2024, from Melbourne to Auckland. I'm looking at cruise channels on TH-cam so I'm guessing it won't be my last cruise :) Package included air fares, hotel in Auckland, and a generous drinks package.
I too was hesitant over the age thing (I'm 60 this year, and expected to be surrounded on the cruise solely by people half my age intent on partying their butts off), but after half an hour overlooking the pool deck I was in my element. Not in a pervy way, you understand, but just loved seeing everyone - of all ages - so relaxed so soon, and enjoying the epic daily DJ session.
I wasn't into all the fitness venues, but we made a point every day of doing three laps of the ship while demolishing the drinks package :)
The shows and food were the highlight for me. So many superb offerings for free, and we took in one premium (i.e. pay-for) restaurant and one premium show, both WELL worth the outlay. Would certainly recommend this for a first-time cruiser like me.
Great video. I like kids, they're entertaining. We cruise with our granddaughter. Fun kids outnumber the obnoxious ones in my opinion. I like to chill out when I cruise. This looks like a great cruise, but not for me, right now anyway. Thanks for the review.
thank you
Imagine your job is to travel in luxurious Cruises at their expense. This guy doesn’t need to imagine. He is living the life many of us only dream of.I want his job! 😁😁😁
You're so lovable 💜 wonderful video
Cruise ships are not for everyone, but I'm amazed to meet passengers who literally live on cruise ships, taking one voyage after another. I personally don't believe the cruise liners are good for the environment. While at sea what looked like the smog of a city on the horizon was actually the ship's exhaust gas.
While on a multi-week voyage with a premier cruise line, a gift from an old friend, four days into the cruise I wanted off of the mega ship, I felt it to be artificial and limiting with the time in each port limited and activities tightly controlled.
I greatly appreciate my friend's generosity, but it will be my one and only time on a cruise ship.
It’s a shame you hated it but, as you said, cruising isn’t for everyone, but I do hope you were grateful and appreciative and didn’t bag your gift to your friend who bought it for you. Maybe a more expedition type of cruise would be more your style?
Why on earth are you watching Cruise videos then?
@@VictoriaGates welcome to the Internet.
I spent a few days in Bergen. I sat and chatted with a lady, in her mountainside appartment and saw a smoking cruise ship funnel, not a few hundred metres opposite from us. She told me, as we coughed, about the cruise ships, below, taking over the town. Later I watched it go..and within a few minutes another one, even larger, was coming in.
Some school girls were selling home made cakes for their school on the quai. They sold two to us but not even one to the passengers..who remarked they looked nice but got everything free on board.
@@andyharpist2938 I mean.. I just had to point out OP was wasting his/her time. lol - As for the Bergen experience you had.. not all the cruise passengers will want to buy something at every port that is true but the same goes when I travel by car or plane. Cars have exhaust.. so do planes.. causes environmental damage. If I am traveling on land I pack snacks and food to take with and I might not buy home-cooked goods from kids since I don't trust it. To be fair you could find issues with all types of travel.
I’d like to hear even more about your experience as a solo traveller
Fantastic video! Exactly what I was looking to learn about Virgin. I'm a 55 y.o. male, solo traveler who doesn't want the over-the-top party scene and wants an upscale environment/service. Virgin seems to lack intellectual and non-fitness classes/activities. Any recommendations from the group?
Thank you Mr. Bembridge for your amazing videos, really informative. Did you have a chance to figure out if the Spa is being operated by OneSpaWorld (formerly Steiner). Just curious. I'm more a fitness-wellness person rather than party-animal. I can't stand those choreographed, must-dance-and-sing entertainments, like Carnival. However, even when I was cruising on Windstar and Crystal, I found that both Spa were run by OSW and seminars, services, products and sales pitch was the same, that's a bit disappointing. The fitness guys were trying to sell the exact same arch supports and (expired) detox capsules. What's your experience and opinion about the Spa? Thanks for your reply!
This is completely frivolous and subjective, but I've really appreciated how you've been switching up your tie-in video pitch to be a bit more inviting and friendly instead of "Right now" which is more like a command. Your videos are always a joy to watch, especially having grown up cruising myself!
Thanks for watching to the end to see it!! And good to hear. It’s definitely better approach 😀😀😀